conservation Efforts
Connecting People, Wildlife & Our Environment
At Hill City AquaZoo, conservation starts with connection. By giving our guests opportunities to see incredible animals up close and learn about their habitats, adaptations, and roles in the environment, we hope to inspire a greater appreciation for wildlife and the world we share.
Education is an important part of that mission. Through daily interactions, educational programs, field trips, outreach, and community events, our ZooCrew helps guests of all ages better understand wildlife and the importance of protecting healthy ecosystems.
About Our Field Trips
Elementary and middle school adventurers will participate in hands-on activities designed to test their observation and scientific reasoning skills. Teenage explorers will learn about animal psychology, positive reinforcement as a training tool, symbiotic relationships, and the dangers of invasive species in wild habitats.
Each Field trip guided tour and hands-on interactive experience delivers:
An increased appreciation for our planet’s oceans.
A new respect and awe for marine life and the rich aquatic resources of our planet.
Understanding our ecosystems as they engage the senses for maximized learning.
Free time to explore.
Encounters with:
Sharks and stingrays
Birds and reptiles
Amphibians, snakes and so much more!
James River Clean-Up Day
Join AquaZoo & Help Protect Our Local Waterways!
At Hill City AquaZoo, conservation goes beyond the animals in our care. It also means taking action to protect the habitats and natural resources right here in our community.
On Friday, September 18, 2026, AquaZoo is partnering with Lynchburg Water Resources for a morning of conservation in action along the James River in Downtown Lynchburg—and we need volunteers!
Together, we'll help remove litter and debris from the river area, helping protect local wildlife and keep one of our community's most important natural resources clean.
Event Details
When: Friday, September 18, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Where: James River – Downtown Lynchburg
Meeting Location: Canal Lot - 23 9th St, Lynchburg, VA 24504
Parking: Free public parking is available, with approximately 17–20 spaces.
All clean-up materials will be provided, so just come ready to lend a hand!
Volunteer & Get FREE AquaZoo Admission!
As a thank-you for helping make a difference, every volunteer will receive a FREE AquaZoo Admit One pass from Hill City AquaZoo!
Volunteers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Volunteers ages 16 and older may participate independently.
Volunteers Needed – Sign Up Today!
Registration is required to participate.
Scan the QR code to register, or [CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP].
After registering, volunteers will receive an information packet with additional event details, instructions, and everything you need to know before Clean-Up Day.
Come spend the morning with AquaZoo and Lynchburg Water Resources as we work together to care for the James River, protect local wildlife, and make a positive impact in our community.
Small actions can make a BIG difference for our waterways and wildlife!
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Why Conservation Matters
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Protects Wildlife – Conservation helps protect animals and the habitats they depend on to survive.
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Preserves Healthy Ecosystems – Every species plays an important role in keeping ecosystems balanced and thriving.
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Protects Natural Resources – Clean water, healthy habitats, and thriving natural spaces benefit both wildlife and our communities.
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Inspires Future Generations – Education and meaningful connections with animals can inspire people of all ages to care about and protect the natural world.
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Encourages Action – Small choices and community involvement can add up to make a lasting difference for wildlife and the environment.
You Can Make a Difference
Conservation starts with everyday choices. No action is too small when we all work together to protect wildlife and the places they call home.
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Reduce Waste – Reuse, recycle, and cut down on single-use plastics whenever possible.
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Keep Waterways Clean – Properly dispose of trash and help keep litter out of rivers, streams, and oceans.
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Respect Wildlife – Observe wild animals from a safe distance and leave their habitats undisturbed.
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Make Responsible Choices – Learn where products come from and choose options that are better for wildlife and the environment.
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Get Involved – Participate in cleanups, conservation projects, and other opportunities in your community.
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Share What You Learn – Encourage friends and family to learn about wildlife and why protecting it matters.
Small actions can create a BIG impact.
Inclusive & Accessible Programs
We strive to make wildlife education accessible to everyone. Outreach programs can be adapted to meet diverse learning needs and accessibility considerations whenever possible.
Title One Schools
Dive into an engaging, hands-on learning adventure with our Science Labs field trip activity! Led by our knowledgeable Keepers and Educators, this interactive experience gives participants a glimpse into everyday science and what goes into our animal care practices. After completing three (3) lab activities (selected by our Educators), your group will have the chance to ask questions and engage in a brief Q&A session with your instructor. The activities are correlated to various Commonwealth of Virginia Science Standards of Learning (SOL). Each lab activity is approximately 30 minutes in duration and is designed for 10-15 students.Important: Some activities may involve shellfish. Please let us know if anyone in your group has allergies.
$12.99
(per student)
$13.99
(per chaperone pre-booked)
Chaperones full admission price day of field trip if not pre-booked.
1 Teacher, PCA or teaching assistant admitted free with school ID for every 15 paid students. Maximum number of chaperones is 10 for any group.
NOTE: The Science Labs Field Trip does NOT INCLUDE aquarium access.
Standard Field Trip
Dive into an engaging, hands-on learning adventure with our Science Labs field trip activity! Led by our knowledgeable Keepers and Educators, this interactive experience gives participants a glimpse into everyday science and what goes into our animal care practices. After completing three (3) lab activities (selected by our Educators), your group will have the chance to ask questions and engage in a brief Q&A session with your instructor. The activities correlate with various Commonwealth of Virginia Science Standards of Learning (SOL). Each lab activity is approximately 30 minutes in duration and is designed for 10-15 students. Important: Some activities may involve shellfish. Please let us know if anyone in your group has allergies.
$16.99
(per student)
$13.99
(per chaperone pre-booked)
Chaperones full admission price day of field trip if not pre-booked.
1 Teacher, PCA or teaching assistant admitted free with school ID for every 15 paid students. Maximum number of chaperones is 10 for any group.
NOTE: The Science Labs Field Trip does NOT INCLUDE aquarium access.
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Homeschool Field Trips
Homeschool Field Trips will be available for booking quarterly:
● February, May, August and November
● Booking on the second Monday of those months
● Book at 10:30 AM for Guided Tour
● Book at 11:00 AM for Science Labs (only Middle & HS, grade 6 & up)
(aquarium access additional $19.99/pp with Science Lab field trips)
● Standard Field Trip pricing applies - no other discounts
2025 dates:
● Monday, May 12
● Monday, August 11
● Monday, November 10